US Bridges

Route I-81 over Horners Branch

Fair

Roanoke County, Virginia · 0.02-RT112; 0.20-I-81RAMP · Structure no. 000000000014925

Built
1963
62 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
22 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
6,552
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Route I-81 over Horners Branch is a concrete culvert carrying Route I-81 over Horners Branch in Roanoke County, Virginia. It was built in 1963, so it is 62 years old, older than the Virginia average of 50.7 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in fair condition with a lowest component rating of 6 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

It carries about 6,552 vehicles a day, projected to reach 7,460 by 2045. The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRoute I-81
CrossesHorners Branch
Location0.02-RT112; 0.20-I-81RAMP
RouteInterstate 81
CountyRoanoke County
StateVirginia
Coordinates37.29461, -80.10157
Functional classUrban Principal Arterial - Interstate

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating60 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length22 ft (6.7 m)
Longest span7 ft (2.1 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,552 (2022)
Projected traffic7,460 by 2045
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate STRAHNET route

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$584 million (2023 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Route I-81 over Horners Branch built?

It was built in 1963, making it 62 years old in 2025.

What condition is Route I-81 over Horners Branch in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in fair condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound. The last reported inspection was in March 2023.

How much traffic does Route I-81 over Horners Branch carry?

About 6,552 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Route I-81 over Horners Branch?

The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long with a longest span of 7 ft (2.1 m).

Who owns Route I-81 over Horners Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.